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India education news

Dharmendra Pradhan Directs ‘Foolproof’ Conduct of NEET-UG Re-Exam Amid Tightened Security

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination and instructed officials to ensure the test is conducted in a completely secure, transparent, and error-free manner. During a high-level review meeting, the minister stressed that all shortcomings and lapses identified during the earlier examination process must be thoroughly addressed to restore the integrity of the medical entrance examination. Officials said Pradhan emphasised that the re-exam should be carried out under strict security arrangements with seamless coordination at every level. He also directed authorities to organise coordination meetings with district magistrates and superintendents of police across states to strengthen monitoring and execution of exam-related arrangements. Highlighting the importance of maintaining vigilance at examination centres, the minister asked officials to ensure that security measures remain uncompromised. He also called for adequate facilities for students, including transportation support, drinking water, and other essential amenities. The National Testing Agency had earlier cancelled the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of irregularities and malpractice. Pradhan had announced that the re-examination will now be held on June 21. He also stated that from next year, the NEET-UG exam will be conducted in a computer-based format to enhance transparency and prevent future discrepancies. Source: PTI

Dharmendra Pradhan Directs ‘Foolproof’ Conduct of NEET-UG Re-Exam Amid Tightened Security Read More »

CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 Declared: Pass Percentage Falls to 85.20%, Girls Outshine Boys

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education has officially announced the Class 12 board examination results for 2026 on May 13. Students who appeared for the Senior Secondary examinations can now access their marksheets through the official result portals. This year, the overall pass percentage stands at 85.20%, reflecting a decline of 3.19 percentage points compared to 2025, when the pass rate was 88.39%. Performance Overview A total of 17,80,365 students had registered for the examinations, while 17,68,968 candidates appeared. Out of these, 15,07,109 students successfully cleared the exams. Major Highlights Overall pass percentage recorded at 85.20% Girls performed better than boys by 6.73 percentage points Thiruvananthapuram emerged as the top-performing region with a 95.62% pass rate Prayagraj reported the lowest regional pass percentage at 72.43% Official Websites to Check Results Students can access their Class 12 results through: results.cbse.nic.in cbse.gov.in digilocker.gov.in umang.gov.in Steps to Download CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 Visit the official CBSE result portal. Click on Senior Secondary School Examination (Class XII) 2026. Enter roll number, school number, admit card ID, date of birth, and security pin. Submit the details. Download the marksheet for future reference. Alternative Result Access Options To avoid website traffic congestion, students can also use: DigiLocker for digital marksheets UMANG App for mobile access CBSE Grading System A1: Top one-eighth of passed students A2: Next one-eighth B1 to D2: Subsequent performance brackets E: Failed candidates Students are advised to verify all details on their marksheet carefully and keep a copy for admission and future academic processes.

CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 Declared: Pass Percentage Falls to 85.20%, Girls Outshine Boys Read More »

JEE Main 2026 Results Announced: 26 Candidates Achieve Perfect 100 Percentile, Aarush Singhal Tops AIR 1

/ Education Community

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the results for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Paper 1 (BE/BTech), with 26 students securing a flawless 100 percentile score. Out of these, 12 candidates had already achieved the same score in the January session, reaffirming their top performance. Aarush Singhal from Chandigarh has emerged as the All India Rank (AIR) 1 holder. Notably, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh lead the tally with five toppers each. All 26 candidates who secured perfect scores are male. Some of the high achievers include Jonnala Roshan Manideep Reddy (Andhra Pradesh), Shreyas Mishra (Delhi), Mantha Shiva Kamesh (Telangana), and Siddharth Shrikant Athaley (Maharashtra), along with several others representing states across the country. The NTA score, which is a normalized percentile, ensures fair comparison among candidates appearing in different shifts of the examination. These results will now determine eligibility for the next stage, including admission processes and qualification for JEE Advanced. Source: NDTV

JEE Main 2026 Results Announced: 26 Candidates Achieve Perfect 100 Percentile, Aarush Singhal Tops AIR 1 Read More »

Delhi University Introduces ‘Coffee with VC’ to Strengthen Student-Administration Dialogue

/ Education Community

In a bid to promote open communication with students, the University of Delhi has rolled out a new initiative titled “Coffee with the Vice-Chancellor.” The programme aims to create an informal platform where students can directly engage with university leadership and share their perspectives. The first session, held on Monday evening, saw Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh interact with a group of 10 students from Miranda House. During the discussion, he encouraged students to view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a supportive tool rather than something to depend on entirely. Emphasising a balanced approach, he advised students to use AI to enhance their capabilities, not control them. Addressing concerns around technological advancements, Singh acknowledged that new innovations often bring uncertainty but stressed the importance of adapting and making the most of such developments. Highlighting India’s progress, including achievements like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), he pointed out the country’s rapid transformation and vast potential for future growth. He also spoke about the purpose of education while responding to queries on Value Addition Courses (VACs) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs). According to him, education should go beyond academics and focus on building responsible individuals with strong ethical values and a sense of national responsibility. On the topic of students’ roles in today’s world, the Vice-Chancellor remarked that the 21st century offers both significant opportunities and challenges. Referring to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, he underscored the need for talented and driven youth, particularly encouraging the role of young women in nation-building. Additionally, Singh highlighted efforts being made to enhance campus safety, including the installation of CCTV systems across university premises. The session was moderated by South Campus Director Rani Abbi, who noted that the initiative is designed to give students a voice and enable meaningful interaction with university leadership. Officials indicated that more such sessions are planned in the near future. Source: PTI

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UPSC Releases Cut-Off Marks for Civil Services Examination 2025

/ Education Community

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official cut-off marks for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 across the preliminary, mains and final stages. The announcement was made on March 9 following the declaration of the final results earlier this month. For the preliminary examination, the cut-off for candidates in the General category has been set at 92.66 marks in General Studies (GS) Paper 1. The cut-off for other categories stands at 89.34 for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), 92.00 for Other Backward Classes (OBC), 84.00 for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 82.66 for Scheduled Tribes (ST). Candidates in the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories recorded cut-offs ranging from 76.66 to 40.66 marks, depending on the specific disability category. The PwBD category includes candidates with disabilities such as locomotor impairment, blindness or low vision, hearing impairment, and multiple disabilities. UPSC clarified that the prelims cut-off is determined solely based on GS Paper 1, while GS Paper 2 (CSAT) is qualifying in nature and requires candidates to secure at least 33 per cent marks. For the Mains examination, the minimum marks required to qualify for the interview stage were 739 for General, 706 for EWS, 717 for OBC, 700 for SC, and 694 for ST candidates. In the final stage, which combines marks from the Mains examination and the Personality Test, the final cut-off was 963 for the General category, 926 for EWS, 931 for OBC, 905 for SC, and 902 for ST. Overall, 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment to prestigious services including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services. UPSC also stated that the detailed marks of candidates will be published on its official website within 15 days of the result declaration, by March 20. Source: Indian Express

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UGC Flags 32 Fake Universities Across India; Delhi Tops List With 12

/ Education Community

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 institutions across India as fake universities, warning students that degrees issued by these entities are invalid for employment and higher education. In a public notice released in February 2026, the UGC — a statutory body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education — clarified that these institutions are not recognised under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act. The Commission emphasised that only universities established by a Central or State Act, or those declared as deemed universities under the Act, are authorised to award valid degrees. Delhi Records The Highest Number Delhi has the highest number of such institutions, with 12 entities operating without recognition. Uttar Pradesh follows with four, while several other states and Union Territories have reported one or two such cases. State-Wise Count Of Fake Universities (As of February 2026) Delhi – 12 Uttar Pradesh – 4 Andhra Pradesh – 2 Karnataka – 2 Kerala – 2 Maharashtra – 2 Puducherry – 2 West Bengal – 2 Arunachal Pradesh – 1 Haryana – 1 Jharkhand – 1 Rajasthan – 1 The UGC has advised students and parents to verify the recognition status of institutions through its official website before taking admission. It reiterated that degrees awarded by unrecognised institutions hold no legal validity and will not be accepted for jobs or further studies. The Commission’s move aims to protect students from fraudulent institutions and maintain the integrity of India’s higher education system. Source: NDTV

UGC Flags 32 Fake Universities Across India; Delhi Tops List With 12 Read More »

NMC Approves 10,650 New MBBS Seats, 41 New Medical Colleges Across India

/ Education Community

In a major boost to India’s healthcare education landscape, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 10,650 additional MBBS seats for the 2024–25 academic session, along with the establishment of 41 new medical colleges nationwide. This development aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day 2024 commitment to create 75,000 new medical seats within five years, aimed at strengthening the country’s medical education and healthcare capacity. With these new additions, India now has a total of 816 medical colleges offering approximately 1,37,600 MBBS seats, including those under Institutes of National Importance (INIs). According to Dr. Abhijat Sheth, Chairperson of the NMC, the commission reviewed 170 proposals for seat expansion — 41 from government institutions and 129 from private colleges — ultimately approving the new capacity of 10,650 seats. The commission has also received over 3,500 applications for new and renewed postgraduate (PG) medical seats, with expectations of adding around 5,000 new PG seats, taking the national total to about 67,000. In total, the combined increase in UG and PG medical seats this year is projected to be nearly 15,000. Although the approval and counselling process experienced slight delays, NMC officials have assured that all procedures will conclude as per the designated timelines. A comprehensive blueprint for the upcoming academic year — including schedules for accreditation, examinations, and seat matrix approval — will be released soon. The application portal for 2025–26 is slated to open in early November. In a notable first, all appeals against the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) decisions were resolved without court intervention, reflecting greater efficiency in regulatory procedures. Dr. Sheth further revealed that the NMC is working to integrate clinical research into the MBBS curriculum through a proposed collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This initiative aims to build stronger research infrastructure and encourage medical students to engage in clinical innovation and applied learning. These reforms represent a transformative step in India’s journey toward enhancing medical education quality, healthcare accessibility, and workforce readiness, in line with the government’s broader vision of a healthier, self-reliant India. Source: Indian Express

NMC Approves 10,650 New MBBS Seats, 41 New Medical Colleges Across India Read More »

Over 4.7 Lakh Pirated NCERT Books Seized Since 2024, Says Education Ministry

/ Education Community

In a significant crackdown on textbook piracy, the Ministry of Education revealed that over 4.7 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks have been confiscated across India since 2024. This update was shared in a written response by Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, during a Rajya Sabha session on Wednesday. “Reports of NCERT textbook piracy have emerged from various parts of the country. From 2024 to 2025, enforcement teams seized around 4.71 lakh counterfeit books in multiple operations carried out in different states,” said Chaudhary. He emphasized that piracy is largely driven by the profit motives of unauthorized operators. NCERT’s mission, Chaudhary reiterated, is to provide high-quality educational resources at minimal cost to students across India, functioning on a no-profit, no-loss model. Highlighting recent efforts to combat the menace, he informed that in the past year alone, NCERT conducted raids on 29 locations linked to the production and distribution of pirated books. These included premises using unauthorized NCERT watermarked paper and illegal printing setups. Assets and equipment worth over ₹20 crore were seized during these raids. To address the root causes of piracy, several measures have been implemented, including a 20% price cut on textbooks, improved paper and print quality with advanced machinery, faster and timely textbook production, and expanded online availability through e-commerce channels. In a tech-driven approach, NCERT also tested an innovative anti-piracy mechanism—developed and patented by IIT Kanpur—on one million copies of a Class 6 textbook, aiming to deter counterfeit reproduction through secure tracking technology. Source: PTI Image Credit: iStock  

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IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders

/ Education Community

In a strategic move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has launched two groundbreaking undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These four-year, fully residential programmes are designed to nurture future-ready professionals with a blend of analytical, ethical, and leadership skills. The BSc in Management and Public Policy targets students interested in driving grassroots change, with a curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and community-led development. The programme aspires to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world impact. Admissions to this course will be facilitated through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Meanwhile, the BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, aims to boost India’s digital transformation journey and enhance global competitiveness. It focuses on cultivating ethical AI use, advanced data analytics, and innovation-driven problem-solving. Entry into this programme will be via JEE Main scores. Highlighting the institution’s progressive approach, the courses are structured with multiple entry and exit options—students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, a degree after three, and an honors degree upon completing the fourth year. This flexibility is intended to support diverse learner pathways in line with NEP 2020 goals. IIM Sambalpur Director, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, expressed pride in the launch, calling it a “pioneering step” in cultivating responsible, entrepreneurial leaders. “These programmes are not only about acquiring academic knowledge; they’re about building leaders equipped with a global outlook and the compassion to address societal challenges,” he noted. The launch event also featured a roundtable discussion on the theme: ‘Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises’. The dialogue spotlighted the emerging role of GCCs as strategic, innovation-led units rather than cost-effective back-offices. Bramhanand Jha, Vice President at the National eGovernance Division (MeitY), served as the chief guest. He emphasized the transformative role of GCCs in shaping future-ready, tech-enabled enterprises that drive global business strategies. Keynote speakers included Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director of JEE at the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Rajesh Kumar, Director of CUET at NTA. Both underlined the significance of evolving India’s education assessment systems to support innovation, inclusivity, and talent discovery aligned with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The education landscape in India is being reshaped to identify talent capable of thriving in dynamic, innovation-driven environments like GCCs,” said Shukla. Kumar added that initiatives like CUET are vital to democratizing access to quality higher education and preparing students for leadership in a global digital economy. The launch concluded with insightful panel discussions featuring academic and industry experts on “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value” and “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth.” With this initiative, IIM Sambalpur reaffirms its commitment to fostering responsible, innovation-driven leadership that is attuned to the evolving demands of both national and global landscapes. Admissions for both UG programmes will begin in June 2025, with classes set to commence in September 2025. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: IIM Sambalpur    

IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders Read More »